I am researching this problem and found @
Here are the guidelines Toyota is using to establish the engines that are prone to having the sludge (gel) condition:
Camry 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01 Camry 6 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01 Solara 4 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01 Solara 6 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01 Sienna 6 cyl. Produced 7/97 - 5/01 Avalon 6 cyl. Produced 7/96 - 5/01 Celica 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 4/99 Highlander 6 cyl. Produced 11/00 - 7/01 If you look at the vehicle identification label on the left door or left door post you can find the date of manufacutre. It normally is one of the first things you can see on the upper left of the label (example 7/98 means it was made July, 1998).
The actual cause of the problem is an inability of the engine's crankcase ventilation system (PCV) to move the normal gases from the engine. When these gases stay longer in an hot engine it allows deposits to form on the metal parts of the engine. When enough deposits are present "Sludge" is formed. In my opinion the reduced flow of the PCV is related to the vehicle emissions. This presents a problem since to correct it may require Toyota to recertify the engines, come up with a solution acceptable to the EPA and then they still have to repair or assist in repairing the affected engines. The costs would be staggering but ignoring the problem, in so many of their best selling vehicles, may be worse in the long run. In the various articles I've listed below, if you want, you will learn more about the cause an effect.
The following topics are links to gather more information about what causes the condition. At this point this is for information only, if you have the condition please contact your local Toyota
I am new to this newsgroup and am wondering about all the problems about oil slude.
Is there a problem here and does Toyota have a sludge/gel warranty program?
What year camrys does it cover if it exist?
Here are the guidelines Toyota is using to establish the engines that are prone to having the sludge (gel) condition:
Camry 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01 Camry 6 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01 Solara 4 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01 Solara 6 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01 Sienna 6 cyl. Produced 7/97 - 5/01 Avalon 6 cyl. Produced 7/96 - 5/01 Celica 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 4/99 Highlander 6 cyl. Produced 11/00 - 7/01 If you look at the vehicle identification label on the left door or left door post you can find the date of manufacutre. It normally is one of the first things you can see on the upper left of the label (example 7/98 means it was made July, 1998).
The actual cause of the problem is an inability of the engine's crankcase ventilation system (PCV) to move the normal gases from the engine. When these gases stay longer in an hot engine it allows deposits to form on the metal parts of the engine. When enough deposits are present "Sludge" is formed. In my opinion the reduced flow of the PCV is related to the vehicle emissions. This presents a problem since to correct it may require Toyota to recertify the engines, come up with a solution acceptable to the EPA and then they still have to repair or assist in repairing the affected engines. The costs would be staggering but ignoring the problem, in so many of their best selling vehicles, may be worse in the long run. In the various articles I've listed below, if you want, you will learn more about the cause an effect.
The following topics are links to gather more information about what causes the condition. At this point this is for information only, if you have the condition please contact your local Toyota
I am new to this newsgroup and am wondering about all the problems about oil slude.
Is there a problem here and does Toyota have a sludge/gel warranty program?
What year camrys does it cover if it exist?